Continental spare tire mounting



Sept. 10, 1957 F. w. sLAcK 2,805,807

CONTINENTAL SPARE TIRE MOUNTING Filed Jan. 13, 1954 5 Sheets-Sheet l Sept. 10, 1957 F. w. sLAcK 2,805,807

CONTINENTAL SPARE TIRE MOUNTING Filed Jan. l5, 1954 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN VEN TOR.

Sept. 10, 1957 F. w. sLAcK CONTINENTAL SPARE TIRE MOUNTING 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Jan. 13. 1954 v INVENTOR. fak/*za Mzi.

MSK/@444;

Sept. 10, 1957 F. W. sLAcK 2,805,807

CONTINENTAL SPARE TIRE MOUNTING Filed Jan. 13, 1954 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN V EN TOR.

Sept. 10, 1957 F. w. sLAcK 2,865,807

CONTINENTAL SPARE TIRE MOUNTING Filed Jan. 13, 1954 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 United States Patent Oi CONTINENTAL SPARE MGH )N 35N@ Frederic W. Slack, Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich., assigner to Chrysler Corporation, Highland Park, Mi h., a cor- This invention relates to a so-called Continental spare tire mounting and to an arrangement for securing the same to a vehicle structure.

By a Continental spare tire mounting, I have reference to one where the spare tire is mounted at the rear of the vehicle adjacent to and outside the trunk or baggage compartment for the purpose of securing additional storage space in the compartment and as a styling feature. It will be understood that a Continental spare tire mounting is desirable for the latter purpose in that it gives a sporty appearance to the vehicle of which it forms a part and makes the vehicle appear of considerably greater length than its actual dimension.

ln providing a tire mounting of the foregoing character on a vehicle, it is desirable to have the tire in a recess or well intermediate the trunk compartment and rear bumper structure of the vehicle. materially enhanced from the standpoint of appearance where the top portion of the tire is arranged in its normal position to lean forwardly. Furthermore it is desirable that the tire be as close as possible to the trunk compartment to eliminate excessive overhand of the rear bumper structure.

However, because of the stated relationship between the tire and the trunk compartment, it is necessary to provide a mounting arrangement permitting the trunk lid to be opened without interference with the tire. Mounting the tire on the trunk lid is not practical. Moreover, complicated hinging and locking devices heretofore proposed for enabling shift of the tire to permit opening of the trunk lid have been expensive, lack rigidity, and were susceptible to rattle.

I have discovered that a practical and eective spare tire mounting of the Continental type may be obtained that will provide all the aforesaid desirable features. This may be accomplished, for example, by attaching to the rear structure of the vehicle below the trunk lid of the trunk compartment, a suitable hanger provided with an extension of peg-like character on which to support and fasten a second or tire carrying member movable relatively thereto lengthwise of the extension. The extension is preferably shaped to form a path of changing direction for instance, a smooth continuous curve and further provided with an upward and outward direction. As thus constructed, the tire carrying member will be positioned on the hanger extension in a manner permitting the tire in its normal position to be inclined forwardly with its vlower end received between the body and bumper structure and such that the tire carrying member may be easily moved outwardly on theextension and in effect cause the upper part of the tire to be swung or tipped rearwardly from its normal closed position to one where it will clear the trunk lid when it is opened and permit handling of baggage without substantial inconvenience.

Moreover, I have discovered that if the shaping of the extension of the hanger be substantially coincident with a path having its focus within the tire receiving recess between the body and bumper, for example, a path with a Moreover, the relationship is ice radius having as its center a point within the cross section of the tire casing at its lowest point, preferably on a linev through the approximate mid point of this section, the' upper portion of the tire may -be readily moved the requisite amount to provide swing clearance for the trunk lid and to a desired rearwardly inclined position making easy access to the trunk compartment feasible, all this without causing the bottom portion of the tire to move substantially in a horizontal direction from its normal position, i. e., its position of rest when the lid is closed. This permits the lower portion of the tire to -be located close to the body at all times, and makes it unnecessary for the bumper to be moved further back from the body of the vehicle than if the tire had remained in a stationary predetermined location a't all times. Furthermore, if a stone shield is provided in the space between the body and the bumper, the opening or recess necessary therein through which to receive the tire will be of a minimum size.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of my invention to provide a Continental type spare tire mounting of simple and rugged character that will permit the tire to be located as close as possible to the trunk compartment when the vehicle is in motion (i. e., the normal position of the tire) and in a forwardly inclined position, but which may without great effort be readily tipped, swung or moved rearwardly to a second temporary or permanent position facilitating opening of the trunk lid past the tire mounting and handling of luggage in the trunk compartment.

Another object is to provide a spare tire mounting of the foregoing character which is suitably and rigidly anchored to the Vehicle structure and that will not be susceptible to rattle.

A further object is to provide a spare tire mounting of the foregoing character wherein the tire maybe swung from its normal position away from the vehicle body and about a center located at the approximate mid portion of the cross section of the tire casing at its lowest point so as to permit a substantial rearward movement of the upper portion of the tire without causing the bottom of the tire to substantially move rearwardly from its normal position.

Still another object is to provide a Continental type spare tire mounting wherein the tire may be normally positioned in a forwardly tipped relation close to the rear portion of the vehicle body and with its lower end between the body and bumper yet may be swung to a rearwardly tippedposition to permit swing-by of the trunk lid and ready access to luggage in the trunk compartment and while utilizing a minimum of space between the vehicle body and the bumper.

It is another object of my invention to provide a Continental type spare tire mounting of the foregoing character wherein the tire may be releasably held in its normal position and in its position permitting opening of the trunk lid and removal of baggage.

These and other objects and advantages of my invention will be more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein I have illustrated a preferred embodiment of my invention.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a side elevational view of a vehicle in perspective, showing the spare Lire mounting of my invention as applied to the rear part thereof and illustrating the tire in its forwardly inclined position for normal driving of the vehicle;

Figure 2 is a similar view to that in Figure l but showing the tire swung to its rearwardly inclined position providing swing clearance for an open trunk lid; Y

Figure 3 is a side elevational view partly in section showingthe preferred form of construction of the spare tire mounting of my invention with the partsin'their normal position and showing the manner of applying my invention to the rear .portion ofha vehiclebody, this ligure alsoishowing in .phantomthe positionofptheiire providing swing'clearance Vfor the `trunlclid;

Figure'4`isr'an elevational'view'in'perspective showing the structure ofFigure 3; l Figure 5'is a cross sectional"Y plan viewta'ken gat ofFigure .3 and illustrating one manner' ofreinforcing the'hanger member of myipvention; y

Figure 6 is a .cross Ysection al .view taken .at BB of Figure 3` Showing .the guide and .stop .arrangementior thetire carrying member of ymy invention and xthe manner of releasably .Clamping the Sameto thehauger;

,Figure l7 isp-n elevational view. partly "insection illustrating amo'died formof Vclamping structure as applied tothe tire mounting of my invention;

Figure 8V is a Ycrosssectional view taken, CCV of'Figure .6; an'd Figure`9 is aplan view Vlooking down onthe structure sho'WninFigure 6 in the direction of Vthearrows D-`D.

Referring .now .to the drawings wherein .similar numerals are. used to designate .similar parts'of the structure, the lnumeral ,10.generally represents an automotive vehicle provided with .a frame 12 (Figure 3) on Vwhich is .supported .ahody assembly y14 and a rear bumper ,assembly 16.-spaced.rearwardly from the body. The manner of supporting .these .assemblies is well vknown and forms nopart ofthis invention.

The body assembly includesrear side quarter panels 18 and A20 (.seeFigures l and 2) and a rearpanel22 defining a trunk compartment 24 closed by hinged trunkror deck lid A.26 having a.handle.28 controlling a lock-,30 whose catchnis.operable-relative to a keeper :32 carried 'by a bracket 34 connected with the rear panel 22.

The compartment 24 includes a floor deck 36connected at SS-with the rear panel 22v and stiifened-bytransversely spaced elongated longitudinal-stiifeningelements-49 carried by'a bracket42 connectedfto the framer12.

The -bumper .assembly 16 includes la wrap-around bumper44-connected to the frame by suit-able brackets, not-shown, which alsofsupporta stone shield 46 arranged betweentherear body section22 and the-bumpery 44.

. As previously pointed-out, the Continental spare-.tire mounting of my invention is not only intended to permit the '.tire in -its normal-.position to' be :inclined forwardly of the body but isalsointended to enhance ;the`.overall appearance of the vehicle, and utilize a minimum ofA space between the body and the bumperasSembly.

- This result is desirably obtained by securing `the tire mounting of my invention tothe rear panel :22 'ofithe body;and permitting the .lower portion ofthe spare tire toextendinto. thepsp'ace beween the .bodysection 22 and the bumper assembly 16 through a recess .148.in .the :stone shield 46.

The sparetire Amounting of my invention, -as seen Vin Figures 3'to 6 for-example, preferably comprises'azhanger member generally designated by the numeral 50 and va tire carrying member generally referred to by the numeral 51. The hanger 50 is provided with a base portion 52 and a peg-like extension or element 54 extending upwardly and outwardly from the base 52. As seen in Figure 3, the base portion 52 may be desirably constituted of a steel plate conforming to the shape of the rear-.body section 22 and secured thereto as by bolts '56, and the extension54 is preferably-constituted of-a tubular steel member Vwelded to-the base 52. As -seen in Figure 3, the tube `54has a curved or bent lshapeforming in 'effect ahook or-pegrelative to the base 52. The-curvatureof the extension 54 is preferably smooth and continuoussuch thatits axis designates apath ofchangingdirectionbeginning atwits connection with `thevbase '52 and endingfatgits outward tip 60. This curvature Aistan important feature of the invention and will V`be Ahereinafter evident. The

generally at Y -4 extension also extends upwardly and outwardly and its outer end is preferably*the'highest'point ofthe hanger.

In order to securely mount the hanger 50 and render it free of rattle and vibration, the rear deck panel 22 at the position of mounting of the hanger is reinforced by a bracket 62 of generally U section to which as at 63 is welded a further U sectioned member 64 inverted relative to the bracket .62 and recessed to conform to the bracket 34 and which in turn anchors the reinforcing member 62 to thefloor deck -36 as by welding thereto.

Received over the projection'54 of the Vhanger 50 solas to telescope therewith and lslide thereon, is atubular portion 66 of the tire carrying member 51 which loosely fits the projection 54 and is shaped to conform to the curvature of the projection 54. The tire carrying member also includes a flange portion 70 at the outer end of the portion 66 upon which a tire 72 may be supported through aconventional hub 74 on which the casing 76 of the tire is mounted. The tire 72 has a forward lside'72a and a rearward side 72b. The usual bolts 7S secure'the hub 74 to the ange 7,0.

As will be evidentfrom Figure 3, the tire carrying memberlSlis readily slidable upon theprojection l54 Vof therhanger and'may be positioned thereon such that the tire in its normal position, shown in the full lines in Figure 3, is forwardly inclined Twith respect. to'thenbo'dy. Moreover, it may be moved outwardly, VVfor example, lto the position shown in phantom in Figure 3 where @the trunk compartment lid 26 and its'handle 2S may be swung past theV tire without difculty to Vpermit access vto the trunk compartment. The tire may, of course, Abe shifted furtheroutwardly, as will be evident from the dotand dashy linet? in Figure 3 if such is desirable.

v As described abovefthe longitudinal curvature of the hanger projection 54 and of the vtire carrying tubular section 66 is preferably selected to .provide a radius of curvature whose center is approximately at a point 1:82 on a line 83 through the mid point-of the Vtirecasing section, This is an important feature where the tire is located to project through the Astone shield in a position intermediate the vehicle body'and the bumper bar 44 and wherea minimum overhang of-the 'bumper isdesired. If the projection 54 lwere straight, it will 'be evident from Figure v3 that Va large recess would be necessary 'in 1the stone shield 48'to accommodate Vmovement of theftire-to clear the trunk lid and the`bumpver-44 would necessarily be positioned further distant from the body thanshown in1thatgl1re. lBy Yselectinggthe center of curvature, `as described, it becomes possible to shift the .tire .onv'the projection 54 from the normal position to the trunk tlid clearing position :79 shown in phantom in Figure 3 -or the extreme position :S9 while substantially maintaining the lower vportion .ofthe tire, relatively speaking, `inits normal position, with respect `toV the surrounding .structure. The vactual change in position of the -tire in the plane ofthe stoneshield as will be evident from Figure 3, is very small and hence the size of the opening-48 inthe stone shield 46 required for fclearing the tire is verylittle larger than the space occupied by the tire .in that'plane and this makes for a very neat appearing construction, as will be evident from Figures -l and 2. y

In order to facilitate complete removal of the tire from the tire carrier 51 and the well created by the opening 48 in the stoneshield and replacement thereof, the lower portion of the flange '70 of the tire carrying member 51 is preferably ycut olf generally horizontally tangent .to the surface of the tubular portion 66 as at 84. This provides greater space between the outer rubber protected edge vof the recess 48 and the tire carrier 51 in ywhich to manipulate lthe tire.

The tire carrying member 51 is preferably retained in itsfnormal Vposition or in .its positions 79 and 80 clearing-the trunk compartment Vlid "26 -by suitable lrneansproviding for ',clampingior lockingof the .tubularfportion-166 tothe extension 54. .Such may, forsexample,zcomprise one or more clamping set screws S6, two being shown in Figures 3, 4, and 6 spaced longitudinally of the tubular member 66 and spaced circumferentially thereof. In Figure 3 these clamping members 86 are of T shape and in Figure 4 of L shape, either type comprising a threaded stem 88 having a tapered tip 90 and provided with a cross member or handle 92 (Figure 6) or 93 (Figure 4) of sumcient length to provide an adequate hand grip for the same. These members are received in threaded holes of suicient length in the tubular member 66.

In view of the curvature of the telescoping elements 54, 66, it will be apparent that there is little, if any, likelihood of rotary movement of the tire carrier. In some instances it may be desirable to provide independent or additional guiding means for the tire carrier or stop means at the opposite extreme limits of positioning of the tire carrier, the former to prevent a monkey-on-thestick action in shifting the tire carrier. These features may both be provided, as seen in Figure 3, by a pin and slot arrangement between the telescoping elements 54 and 66. Figures 3 Iand 6 show a preferred arrangement utilizing a pair of headed pins 96 spaced apart on the curved axes of the tubular element 66, on one side of the latter and a second pair of pins 9S diametrically opposed to the rst mentioned pair. These pins are tted with a drive t in openings 100 in the wall of the element 65 and may also be welded thereto. By preference, these pins will be positioned in transverse alignment with the respective clamping screws 86. The pins 96, 9% will respectively engage and project through similar elongated curved slots or recesses 162, 194 on the wall of extension 54, these slots being preferably on the axis of the extension 54 and concentric with the curvature of this element. The slots 1512, 104 will have a length to satisfy the desired change in position of the th'e between its normal position when driving the vehicle and its furthest outward positions 79 or SG as may be desired, the pins 96, 98 abutting the ends of these slots at the extreme positions of the carrier 51. In addition to serving as limit stops, the pin and slot arrangement will prevent binding of the telescoping members in use and will also prevent complete disassembly of the telescoping members by the vehicle driver. lf desired, rollers (not shown) may be provided on the pins 91, 9S to roll in the slots 162, 104.

In Figures 7 to 9 I have shown a modified form of clamping means wherein the inward portion 108 of the tubular section 66A of the tire carrying member 51 is circumferentially slotted as by a transverse slot 110 and the circumferential portion along the slot 110 formed by suitable cuts and bends into opposite outwardly projecting lips or flanges 112, 114 on which to support a spring clamp or cap 116 having similar opposite lips 118, 12@ respectively and having an intermediate portion 122 conforming in shape to the extension 54.

As seen in Figure 8 the lips 114, 121B are bolted in face-to-face relationship by spaced bolts 124. The opposite lips 112, 11S on the other hand are spaced apart and a pair of suitable hand clamp screw members 126, 127 shown in Figures 7 and 8 to be of L shape, are provided to draw the cap 116 toward the portion 10S of the memberV 66A and against the extension 54 to clamp the member 66A in position. One of these clamp screws 126 has its threaded shank 123 passed through a clearance opening 123 in the ilange 118 of the cap 116 and recessed in a threaded protuberance 132 on the iiange 112 of the member 66A and which may be a nut welded thereto and the screw is further provided with a shoulder portion 134 which bears against the iiange 113 when the screw 126 is drawn up.

A similar clamp vscrew 127 has its threaded shank 12S passed through a clearance opening 136 in the flange 112 and received in a threaded protuberance 138 of the ange 113, the shoulder portion 134 of this screw bearing against the tiange 112. As shown, the handle or hand grip portions 149 of the screws 126, 127 are on opposite sides of the space 142 between the flanges 112, 118;

This provides greater accessibility for the operators hands in operation. By adequate spacing of the screws it Will be understood that the grip portions may be located on the same side of the space 142. Tightening of the clamp screws 126, 127 will cause the cap 116 to iex and bear against the surface of the projection 54 and bind the latter between the portion 122 and the portion 16S of the carrier 51 to hold the tire carrier in a fixed position on the extension 54 of the hanger 50.

The modification in Figures 749 may be provided with suitable guide and stop means, for instance, a pin and slot arrangement such as described with respect to Figures 3 and 6 located horizontally on the axis of the extension 54. In that event the spaced pins 96 will be secured on the cap 116 which it will be noted is held in position by the bolts 124 and the spaced pins 98 will be secured on the portion 168 of the member 66A. The pins 96 and 93 respectively will interengage slots 12, 194 respectively on the extension 54, these slots extending outwardly of the pins in Figure 7 a suicient distance to accommodate the necessary movement of the tire carrier 51.

In order to enhance the appearance of the tire carrying mounting, I may provide for an external metal covering for the tire 72, generally designated by the numeral 150 and which comprises a split ring element 152 of spring-like character which may be snapped over the tire when in position, and an end disc 154 intertitting therewith which may cover the outerv side of the tire immediately opposite the tire hub cap 156. This shield or cover forms no part of my invention and may be of conventional construction.

Although I have described a preferred embodiment of my invention, it will be understood that various changes-v in the structure thereof may be made without departing from the novel features thereof. For example, in some cases in a construction as in Figure 3, it may be desirable to have the section 66 of the tire carrying member slidably received within the projection 54 rather than externally thereof as illustrated in Figure 3. Moreover knurled or other hand wheel type of clamp screws may be employed in lieu of the T-shaped, L-shaped members, shown. Moreover, other forms of guide and stop means. will be readily evident to those skilled in the art. Ac` cordingly, such other modifications are intended to be included within the scope of my invention.

I claim:

1. In a vehicle having a body including a rear compartment having an upwardly swingable lid and having a bumper structure spaced rearwardly of the body providing a recess between it and said bumper into which the lower end of a spare tire may be received; a mounting for supporting said tire in a generally vertical position in said recess and adapted to facilitate movement of the tire about its lower portion from a forward position with its inner side in juxtaposition to said lid to a rearward position permitting swing clearance for said lid and while substantially retaining the lower portion of the tire in substantially the same relative position fore and aft of the said bumper and body respectively, said mounting comprising a hanger element rigidly secured to said body and projecting rearwardly and upwardly therefrom between said body and said inner side of said tire and a tire carrying member in telescoping relationship to said hanger element and said element having a shape such that said member is movable rearwardly relative to said hanger element along a path of changing ldirection having its focus within said recess whereby to effect the aforesaid tire positioning.

2. In a vehicle having a body including a rear compartment having an upwardly swingable lid and having a bumper structure spaced rearwardly of the body providing a recess between it and said bumper into which the lower end of a spare tire may be received, a mounting for supporting said tire in a generally Vertical position in said recess and adapted to facilitate' movement of the tire about its lower portion from a forward position with its inner side in juxtaposition to said lid to a rearward position permitting swing clearance for said lid and while substantially retaining the lower portion of the tire in substantially the same relative position fore and aft of said bumper and body respectively, said mounting comprising a hanger element rigidly secured to said body belowrsaid lid and projecting rearwardly and upwardly therefrom between said body and said inner side of said tire and a tire carrying member slidable on said hanger element away from said body along a path of changing direction provided by said hanger element and having its focus Within said recess whereby to eect the aforesaid positioning of said tire.

3. In a vehicle having a body including a rear compartment having an upwardly swingable lid and having a bumper structure spaced rearwardly of the body providing a recess between it and said bumper into which the\lower end of a spare tire may be received, a mounting for supporting said tire in a generally vertical position in said recess and adapted to facilitate movement of the tire about its lower portion from a forwardly inclined position with its inner side in juxtaposition to said lid to a rearward position permitting swing clearance for said'lid and while substantially retaining the lower portion of the tire in substantially the same relative position fore and aft of said bumper and body respectively, said mounting comprising a hanger element rigidly secured to said body below said lid and projecting rearwardly and upwardly therefrom between said body and said` inner side of said tire and a tire carrying member slidable on said hanger element away from said body along a path of changing direction provided by said hanger element and having its focus within said recess whereby to effect the aforesaid positioning of said tire and releasable means for holding said tire carrying member in a predetermined position along said hanger element.

2i. In a vehicle having a body including a rear compartment having an upwardly swingable lid and having a bumper structure spaced rearwardly of the body providing a recess between it'and said bumper into which the lower casing portion of fa spare tire may be received, a tire mounting for supportingtsaid tire in a generally vertical position in said recess and operable to shift the tire from a forward position with its inner side'in juxtaposition to said lid to a rearward position permitting swing clearance for said lid and without removing the tire from said recess, saidmounting comprising a hanger element including a base portion for rigidly securing said element to said body and a peg-like portion extending from said base portion between said body and said innerrside of said tire and curved in the directionrof its length, and a tire carrying member having anV aperture'Y for receiving said peg-like portion and movable on said peg-like portion along a p ath determined by the curvature of the latter, the said curvature having its focus within the casing'. section of the portion of the tire torbe received in said recess.

5. In combination with a vehicle having a body including a rear compartment having an upwardly swingable lid andhaving a bumper structure spacedrearwardly of said body providing -a recess betweensaid body and bumper into which the traction casingof a spare tire may be received with one side of said tire inV juxtaposition -to said body, a mounting for said tire comprising a hanger including a base portion rigidly secured to said body below said lid and a peg-like element curved in the direction of its length and extending upwardly andY outwardly from said base portion between said body and said inner side of said tire, and av tire carrying member having anaperture for receivingv said element and to be carried thereby, said member being movable on said element along a path determined ,by the curvature of said element, the radius of said curvature being approximately theldistance/fromt'he center ofrotation of said tire toapproximately'arpoint in the mid region ofthe cross section of said traction casing of the wtire whereby said tire may be moved from a forwardly inclined position in juxtaposition to said lid to a rearward position permitting swing clearance for said lid and while substantially retaining the lower traction portion of the casing in'substa'ntially the same spaced position relative to the body and bumper throughout the said movement of saidtire.

6. In combinationwith a vehicle having a body including a compartment having an upwardly swingable lid and having a bumper structure spaced rearwardly of the body providing'a recess between it and said bumper into which the lower portion of a spare tire may be received, a tire' mounting for supporting said tire in a generally vertical position in-said recess and operable for shifting the tire about its-lower portion from a forward position with its inner side in juxtaposition to said lid to a rearward position permitting swing clearanceY forrsaid lid and withoutV removing the lower portion of said tire from said recess, said mounting comprising a hanger element adapted for attachment to said-'body below said lid, said hanger including a base portion and a tubular peg-like element extending upwardly Vand outwardly from said base portion between said body and said inner side of said tire, said tubular element being curved in the direction of its length, anda flanged tire carrying member havingra tubular portion interengageable with said curved element and slidable thereon, said tubular portion having a curvature in the direction of its axis generally similar to that of'said element and the curvature of said hanger element and tubular portion of said'tire carrying member having its focusl within the lower portion of said tire.

7. In combination with va vehicle having a body including a rear compartment having an upwardly swingable lid, a bumper structure spaced rearwardly of said body and a stone shield intermediate said body and bumper providingy a recess into which the lower portion of a spare tire may'be received and substantially t with normal clearance, a tire mounting for supporting said tire in a generally vertical position in said recess andoperable for shifting the tire about its lower portion from a forwardly inclined position with its inner side in juxtaposition toV said lid to a rearward position permitting swing clearance for said lid and while substantially retaining the lower portion of the tire in the recess of said shield throughout the said movement of said tire, said mounting comprising a hanger including a base portion rigidly secured to the body below said lid and a'peg-like element extending upwardly and outwardly from said base portion between said body and said inner side of said tire,tsaid element defining a path of changing direction in the direction of its length, said path having its focus Within said recess, a tire carrying member having a tubular portion received over said element and movable lengthwise thereon, said tubular portion having a shape in the direction Vof its axis generally similar to that of said element, guide means operable between said element and tubular portion for predetermining said lengthwise movement of said tubularY portion, and clamping means operable between said element and tubular portion for holding said member in a predetermined position.

8. In combination withV a vehicle having a body including a rear compartment having an upwardly swingable lid and having a bumper structure spaced rearwardly of said body providing a recess between it and said bumper into which the lower portion of a spare tiremay berre- Y ceived, a tire mounting for supporting said tire in a generally vertical position in said recess and operable for shifting the tire about its ylower portion from a forward position with its inner side in juxtaposition to said lid to a rearward position permitting swing clearance for said lid and while substantially retaining the lower portion of the tire in substantially the same spaced position relative to said body andbumper, a hanger including a base portion rigidly secured to said body below said lid and a peg-like element extending upwardly and outwardly from said base portion between said body and said inner side of said tire, said element being curved in the direction of its length and having its focus within said recess, a tire carrying member having a tubular portion received over said element and movable lengthwise thereon, said tubular portion having a curvature in the direction of its axis generally similar to that of said element, stop means for limiting movement of said member on said element, and releasable holding means operable between said element and tubular portion for holding said member in a predetermined position.

9. A spare tire mounting as claimed in claim 8 wherein said holding means comprises a pair of set screws.

l0. In combination with a vehicle having a frame, a body including a rear compartment having an upwardly swingable lid and defined in part by arrear panel and a floor interiorly of said body and having a bumper structure spaced rearwardly of said body and providing a recess between it and said bumper within which the lower portion of a spare tire may be received, a tire mounting for supporting said tire in a generally vertical position in said recess and operable for shifting said tire from a forwardly inclined position with its inner side in juxtaposition to said lid to a rearward position permitting swing clearance for said lid and without removing the lower portion of said tire from said recess, said mounting comprising a hanger having a base portion secured to said rear panel and having a tubular peg-like element extending upwardly and outwardly from said base portion between said body and said inner side of said tire, said tubular element being curved in the direction of its length and said curvature having its focus within said recess, a stiiener bracket for said rear panel, an anchor member for said stifiener bracket, a flanged tire member having a tubular portion interengageable with said curved element and movable thereon, said tubular portion having a curvature in the direction lengthwise of its axis generally similar to that of said element and releasable means for holding said member in a predetermined position lengthwise of said element.

l1. The combination as claimed in claim 10 wherein said holding means comprises a strap-type clamp.

12. The combination as claimed in claim 10 wherein said holding means comprises a pair of set screws spaced apart longitudinally and circumferentially of said tubular portion.

13. In a Vehicle having a body and a bumper spaced rearwardly of the end thereof providing a recess between said body and bumper into which the lower end of a spare tire having a forward side and a rearward side may be received, a tire mounting for supporting said tire in a generally Vertical position in said recess with its forward side in juxtaposition to said body and operable to shift said tire rearwardly to a second generally vertical position facilitating access to the rear end of said body without removing the tire from said recess, said mounting comprising a hanger element rigidly secured to said body and projecting rearwardly and upwardly therefrom between said body and said forward side of said tire, a tire carrying member supported by said hanger element and movable thereon away from said body, and arcuate means on one of said member and hanger element determining said movement of said tire carrying member and providing a path of changing direction therefor having its focus within said recess whereby to effect the aforesaid tire positioning.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,524,896 Wasserfallen Feb. 3, 1925 1,541,382 Pfennig et a1 June 9, 1925 1,687,749 Borror Oct. 16, 1928 1,982,568 Boss Nov. 27, 1934 2,015,422 Ellenberger Sept. 24, 1935 2,553,686 Stromberg May 22, 1951 2,711,273 Stromberg lune 21, 1955 

